ABSTRACT
Computer interest and use appear to be dividing along gender lines, with the differences becoming especially apparent when students reach the middle-school level. Girls at this age generally show less interest than boys in learning about computers and in using computers and computer-related machines. Gender differences also exist in other indices of computer interest and use in education. The gender differences in computer interest and use that are emerging in the school-aged population suggest that there will be future inequities in access to education and employment. Thus, computer awareness and the acquisition of computing skills cannot be left entirely to individual preference. The lack of interesting software for girls may also contribute to the subtle message that computer-related activities are more suitable for males. For the most part, students’ computer interest and use showed a steady decline from Grade 6 to Grade 8.
